Business Desk :
Economic affairs adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Masihur Rahman on Wednesday said health spending by Bangladeshi nationals abroad should be taxed to develop the country’s healthcare facilities.
“Had one spent money in the country, the country would have benefited. If he or she spends abroad, the country doesn’t benefit, so taxing consumption spending abroad should be considered,” he said.
He made the comments while speaking as the chief guest at a webinar on “Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Bangladesh: Options for Building Resilience,” organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
“Many of us go abroad for health treatment, the government can’t stop it, stopping overseas treatment will be inhuman,” he said.
But the country has the right to have part of health spending abroad as it is not taxed as consumption spending. There is a way to get it.
He said some Bangladeshis nowadays go to India, Thailand, Singapore and other countries for treatment.
He said these countries have developed the health value chain and invested a lot.
Mr Rahman said if the country opens up the country’s health sector and invests significantly, the country would benefit.
